“This conference works both as a way to study and understand the trends of the industry from the leaders, and for us to offer them new creations,” says Khimani, who will be showcasing new F&B and banqueting suppliers as well as bespoke room accessories and the new 2015 catalogue, giving delegates an exclusive preview of the latest products.
Inside the conference room, Khimani expects evolving market segmentation in the UAE to be a significant of topic of discussion among the GMs.
“For the hotel industry we expect a major repositioning of the existing brands,” he asserts.
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“There will be changes and improvements in the levels of service and luxury offered, thus creating a super luxury segment. At the same time we also expect emergence of a new budget brand segment and many internationally existing budget hotel brands to be launching in this region.
This will require us to understand the trends of the industry over the next few years to come, and thus help us create a product line for room and F&B accessories in leather, metal, resin etc., that will be suitable to the upcoming market segment of a number of luxury and budget hotels.”
Managing director of ESP International, Rebecca Wilson, who offers a niche recruitment service to hotels with significant event space, agrees with Khimani that “there is much change and diversity in the market”, but adds that she is seeing increased growth in refurbishments too.
“What I am noticing is that many of the stalwart properties that have been around for up to a decade are being refurbished and the restaurant scene in particular is really seeing a revival, with new modern offerings that feel fresh and help take the UAE even further up the stakes when it comes to world class hotels,” says Wilson.
To stay ahead in such a competitive marketplace, Wilson says “General managers need to source, hire, and retain the best people”.
“With so many global and local hotel chains all hiring, it’s essential to create a value proposition to attract new staff in terms of salary and benefits, and then work at consistently empowering, developing, and motivating your team so they don’t look to move to your competition,” she says.
Keeping abreast of industry legislation and trends will also be vital and Wilson is urging general managers to gain as much knowledge as possible through attending relevant forums, such as Hotelier’s GM Debate.
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